Children with Broken Wings and Shattered Dreams in Lady Oracle A Critical Study

Name of Author : Dr. R.G. Rathika

Abstract: Margaret Atwoods Lady Oracle (1976) is often celebrated for its satire, postmodern narrative style, and exploration of female identity. Beneath its wit and irony, however, lies a deeply psychological narrative shaped by trauma, repression, and fractured childhood experiences. The metaphor of children with broken wings and shattered dreams becomes particularly relevant when examining the protagonist Joan Foster and other characters in the novel. Their emotional scars, rooted in childhood, hinder their ability to achieve stability, authenticity, and fulfillment in adulthood. This paper explores how Atwood presents the psychological consequences of damaged childhoods, focusing on the symbolic broken wings that prevent characters from realizing their potential and the shattered dreams that define their adult lives.

Keywords : Achieve stability, Authenticity

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